Welcome to the Hill Health Psychology
Lab at West Chester University
Research Interests:
Health Psychology is the branch of psychology focused on psychological factors in physical health and well-being. In conducting research in this field, my students and I engage in research that aims to better understand health and well-being at both the individual and population level—research that has implications for both public health and clinical psychology. Broadly, I have interests in psychological factors in health behaviors, quality of life and well-being, and psycho-oncology. |
Current Research Programs:
Psycho-Oncology and Understanding Factors Related to Well-being among Women with Ovarian Cancer
Women who develop ovarian cancer often experience vague symptoms and are subsequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. As such, the disease can present various physical and psychological challenges across the disease, treatment, and survivorship trajectories. The overarching aim of this area of study is to better understand factors that relate to—or impact—health and well-being in this population. Specifically, some of my recent research looks at individual-level factors (e.g., intolerance of uncertainty, coping strategies) and social support in relation to mental health and quality of life.
Women who develop ovarian cancer often experience vague symptoms and are subsequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. As such, the disease can present various physical and psychological challenges across the disease, treatment, and survivorship trajectories. The overarching aim of this area of study is to better understand factors that relate to—or impact—health and well-being in this population. Specifically, some of my recent research looks at individual-level factors (e.g., intolerance of uncertainty, coping strategies) and social support in relation to mental health and quality of life.
Psychological Factors in Antibiotic Resistance Prevention
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in modern society have contributed to the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria—and in turn, the proliferation of infections that are not easily treated by traditional antibiotics. Some of my research in this domain looks at how concerned individuals are about antibiotic resistance and whether that might impact their decision making about antibiotic use. I have also developed a psychometric scale that measures appropriate antibiotic use self-efficacy. I am also interested in how social influences such as peers and physicians impact perceptions about antibiotic resistance and decision making about antibiotic use.
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in modern society have contributed to the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria—and in turn, the proliferation of infections that are not easily treated by traditional antibiotics. Some of my research in this domain looks at how concerned individuals are about antibiotic resistance and whether that might impact their decision making about antibiotic use. I have also developed a psychometric scale that measures appropriate antibiotic use self-efficacy. I am also interested in how social influences such as peers and physicians impact perceptions about antibiotic resistance and decision making about antibiotic use.
The Intersection of Drinking and Eating Behaviors
Some individuals engage in calorie restriction and/or compensation in relation to their alcohol use. This has been termed drunkorexia or food and alcohol disturbance. My research in this domain aims to understand this behavior pattern—its correlates and risk factors.
Some individuals engage in calorie restriction and/or compensation in relation to their alcohol use. This has been termed drunkorexia or food and alcohol disturbance. My research in this domain aims to understand this behavior pattern—its correlates and risk factors.
Contact Information:
Dr. Erin Hill
Office: Wayne Hall 537
Psychology Department
West Chester University
West Chester, Pennsylvania 19383
email: [email protected]
Dr. Erin Hill
Office: Wayne Hall 537
Psychology Department
West Chester University
West Chester, Pennsylvania 19383
email: [email protected]